You’ve taken the first step toward serving as one of your district’s key leaders. Now it’s time to build the skills and confidence to lead effectively from day one.

Strong school board leadership — especially in today’s climate — requires the ability to collaborate, support district policy, govern ethically and professionally and set a positive example for other civic and community groups.

Join experienced OSBA staff for a weekend workshop designed to flatten the learning curve for new board members. The program will cover essential topics such as governance, legal parameters, parliamentary procedure, meeting and policy management, legislative understanding, district advocacy and school finance. Throughout the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, network with other new board members and learn more about the many resources OSBA provides to support districts and their leaders.

Registration for this event must be completed by Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Cancellations must be received by Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, to qualify for a refund. For questions regarding registration or cancellations, please contact Scott Clay at sclay@ohioschoolboards.org

Sessions

Date Title Location
1/31/26 [In-Person] From Election to Action: Central Region 8050 North High St Columbus, OH 43235

Saturday January 31, 2026

8 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast

Continental Breakfast: Assorted Bagels and Pastries from Panera, Cinnamon Rolls, Chocolate Croissants, Ham Croissant Bennys, Croissant Bacon Egg and Cheese Bennys, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Hot Tea and Orange Juice. 

9 a.m.
Welcome
Quinn Maceyko, Board and Management Services Consultant, OSBA
9:10 a.m.
Discovering your association and region
Aaron Hinchliffe, Central Regional Manager, Mark Bobo, Director of Communication Services and Member Relations, OSBA

Gain a clearer understanding of the people, purpose and possibilities that shape your OSBA experience. This session is designed to help participants explore the association’s mission, learn how each region supports its districts and identify opportunities to engage with the association.

9:45 a.m.
Stepping into service
Quinn Maceyko, Board and management consultant, OSBA

After taking your oath of office and your seat at the table, learn about a board’s core responsibilities, governance structure, boardsuperintendent roles, meeting operations and protocols that support effective leadership.

10:45 a.m.
Break
11 a.m.
Follow the money: What every school board member should know about funding
Nicole Piscatani, Deputy Director of Legislative Services, OSBA

This session explains how school funding works — from state formulas to local property taxes and revenue sources. Understand where dollars come from, how funding varies across districts and what levers board members can use to advocate for sustainable, equitable resources.

12 p.m.
Lunch

Menu: Der Dutchman: Broasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Gravy, Macaroni & Cheese, Garden Salad, Dutch Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie. Assorted Sodas and Bottled Water

Please inform Scott Clay , sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, of any dietary accommodations or requests you have to insure there is a meal for you.

12:45 p.m.
From idea to impact: How a bill becomes a law (and how you can shape it)
Nicole Piscatani, Deputy Director of Legislative Services, OSBA

Go beyond “Schoolhouse Rock” with a practical walk-through of the legislative process. Learn how bills move, when public input matters, how to build relationships with lawmakers and how to testify effectively. You will leave with concrete strategies to influence policies affecting students and schools.

1:45 p.m.
Charting the course
Quinn Maceyko, Board and mangement services consultant, OSBA

 Onboarding to a board of education brings a steep learning curve. This session highlights key documents — including strategic plans — that new board members should review to align decisions with district goals.

2:15 p.m.
Break
2:30 p.m.
Ask a school board veteran

Join a panel of experienced board members from your OSBA region. Hear what they wish they knew early on, lessons learned in governance and practical advice for building effective relationships, managing conflict and staying focused on student outcomes.

Sunday February 1, 2026

8 a.m.
Breakfast

Menu: Bob Evans Country Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon Home Fries, Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Hot tea and Orange Juice

Please inform Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, of any dietary accommodations or special request to insure a meal is available for you

8:30 a.m.
Rowing in the same direction
Quinn Maceyko, Board and management consultant, OSBA

Strong governance occurs when boards work collaboratively. Explore communication styles, decision-making practices and consensus-building strategies. The session begins with a teambuilding activity designed to test how well your group can stay afloat — literally and figuratively.

9:30 a.m.
Break
9:45 a.m.
Policy in action: Tools every new board member needs
Gamy Narvaez, policy consultant, OSBA

Policy is one of a board’s strongest leadership tools. In this interactive session, OSBA’s policy team will clarify how policies are developed, where your authority begins and ends, and how to ensure policies support effective operations. Real-world examples and scenarios will help you determine when a policy is needed — and when it may create unintended challenges.

11 a.m.
Lunch

Menu: Chipotle: Build your own Burrito Bar, Cilantro Lime Rice, Brown Rice, Black & Pinto Beans, Lettuce, Chicken, Steak, Beef Barbacoa, Fajita Veggies, Cheese, Sour Cream, Queso Blanco, Guacamole, House made chips, Flour Tortillas, Hard Taco Shells, Assorted Soft Drinks Bottled Water.

Please contact Scott Clay, sclay@ohioschoolboards.org, with any dietary restrictions or accommodations needed to insure there is a meal for you

11:45 a.m.
School law essentials: Rules, risks and realities : Part 1
Sara Clark, Chief Legal Counsel, OSBA

Learn foundational legal requirements related to ethics laws, open meetings, public records and parliamentary procedure. OSBA legal staff will highlight common pitfalls and real-world examples to help new board members make informed, responsible decisions.

1:15 p.m.
Break
1:30 p.m.
School law essentials: Rules, risks and realities : Part 2
Sara Clark, Chief Legal Counsel, OSBA

A continued discussion of legal standards, case examples and best practices that reinforce a board member’s responsibility under Ohio law.

3 p.m.
Adjournment